QPR want Daniel Sturridge on loan and have refused to give up on Caleb Folan - despite Hull's insistence on a £500,000 loan fee.

The double swoop underlines just how much the Hoops want to improve their striker options and take the pressure off manager Iain Dowie.

Sturridge at just 19 is considered the future of Manchester City, but has limited options at Eastlands currently with Jo, Robinho and even former Rs' target Ched Evans ahead in the pecking order.

The England U19, whose footballing uncles Dean and Simon played for Derby and Birmingham, has made four starts and scored one goal this term - the first in the 3-0 defeat of West Ham in August. However, Hull are playing hardball over Folan and have demanded not only half-a-million for the Irish international's loan - but around £3m for his full transfer should it get that far in January.

Insiders at Rangers are hoping they can knock both prices down and bring in both targets after discovering Heidar Helguson needs another month to get fully fit.

The former Fulham striker is also on Rangers want list, but is still recovering from injury.

Although Tim Flowers expressed surprise on Saturday at the pressure on the team despite their current seventh place in the Championship, the assistant manager must have been doing it with tongue firmly in cheek at a club where chairman Flavio Briatore has insisted on promotion or bust.

A Rangers insider joked: "Why doesn't Flavio just appoint Tamara Beckwith or Naomi Campbell as boss and have done with it?" A reference to the celebs crowding the directors box at home games.